The Fall Of Jerusalem

 "O GOD, the pagans have invaded YOUR inheritance; they have defiled YOUR holy temple and reduced Jerusalem to rubble.

They have given YOUR servants' corpses to the birds, and the flesh of YOUR saints, to the beasts of the earth.

They have poured out the blood of YOUR faithful, like water around Jerusalem, and there was no one to bury them.

Mocked and reviled by those around us, we are scorned by our neighbors.

How long will this last, O YAHWEH?  Will YOU be angry forever?  Will YOUR wrath always burn to avenge YOUR rights?

Do not remember against us the sins of our fathers.

Let YOUR compassion hurry to us, for we have been brought very low.

Help us, GOD, our savior, for the glory of YOUR name; forgive us, for the sake of YOUR name."

- Psalm 79:1-2. 3-5. 8. 9

(This psalm almost certainly refers to the fall of Jerusalem in the year 586 B.C.  There is a confession of guilt--the guilt of an earlier generation.  It is interesting that this ingredient should enter the solution of the problem of suffering: Has this man sinned--or his parents?  And, indeed, we may blame our ancestors, for some of our condition, so long as we realize that we may, and do, contribute to the unhappiness of our children.  We are the context into which they will be born, for better or for worse.  But the psalmist evidently does not will to call GOD's attention to the sins of his own generation except in passing,

As long as there are captives and blood is poured in this our land, whenever we live under the weight of guilt, it is a good time to pray with this psalm.)

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The Law Of YAHWEH Is Perfect

 "The law of YAHWEH is perfect:

it gives life to the soul.

The word of YAHWEH is trustworthy:

it gives wisdom to the simple.

The precepts of YAHWEH are right:

they give joy to the heart.

The commandments of YAHWEH are clear:

they enlighten the eyes.

The fear of YAHWEH is pure,

it endures forever;

the judgments of YAHWEH are true,

all of them just and right.

They are more precious than gold--

pure gold of a jeweler;

they are much sweeter than honey

which drops from the honeycomb."

- Psalm 19:8. 9. 10. 11

(The splendor of heaven gives us a glimpse of the glory of GOD.  We are also aware of HIS presence, when we meditate on HIS commandments, which are light and joy for the soul.

This psalm is adequate to revise one's life in the presence of GOD in creation and in the Law.  JESUS in the Gospels has taught us how to pray.  If we add this psalm to our morning prayer, it will make us feel great and ready to start the day well.)

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The Testimony Of Nathanael

 "When JESUS saw Nathanael coming, HE said of him, 'Here comes an Israelite, a true one; there is nothing false in him.'  Nathanael asked HIM, 'How do you know me?'  And JESUS said to him, 'Before Philip called you, you were under the fig tree, and I saw you.'

Nathanael answered, 'Master, YOU are the Son of GOD!  YOU are the king of Israel!'  But JESUS replied, 'You believe because I said, 'I saw you under the fig tree.'  But you will see greater things than that.

Truly, I say to you, you will see the heavens opened, and the angels of GOD ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.'" - John 1:47-51 

(These two disciples recognized JESUS.  It would be more exact to say that JESUS recognized those whom the FATHER had entrusted to HIM.  Thus HE recognized Nathanael when he was under the fig tree.  Among the Jews, this expression referred to a teacher of the law engaged in teaching religion, since ordinarily they taught under the shade of a tree.  In the same way, JESUS recognized Simon whom the FATHER chose to be the first Rock of the Church [Matthew 16:13].)

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JESUS Unwelcome In A Samaritan Village

 "As the time drew near when JESUS would be taken up to heaven, HE made up HIS mind to go to Jerusalem.  HE sent ahead of HIM  some messengers, who entered a Samaritan village to prepare a lodging for HIM.  But the people would not receive HIM, because HE was on HIS way to Jerusalem.  Seeing this, James and John, HIS disciples, said, 'LORD, do YOU want us to call down fire from heaven to reduce them to ashes?'  JESUS turned and rebuked them, and they went on to another village." - Luke 9:51-56 

(The first paragraph reminds us that between the two provinces of Galilee and Judea, there was Samaria.  Its people were Samaritans, non-Jews, and the two people really hated each other.  When Jews from Galilee were going on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, every door was closed to them throughout Samaria.

It would seem that each time JESUS meets Samaritans, it is to teach us a new way of seeing those who do not share our faith.  Religions have often been aggressive, at times very violent, especially those religions that see themselves as a revelation of the only GOD.  This was already the case in the Old Testament.  JESUS is not part of such fanaticism, teaching us not to confuse GOD's cause with ours nor with the interests of our religious community.  There is absolute respect for those GOD leads by another road.  What a contrast with the legends of the past that this account awakens in verse 54 [see 2 Kings 1:9].

Here JESUS tells HIS apostles to be less impulsive: the Samaritans who refuse to welcome JESUS on this occasion are not guiltier than those who close their doors to a stranger.  Why destroy this little village, if by doing this they still had to look for a place in another village?  It was better to move on without delay.)

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Who Is The Greatest?

 "One day, the disciples were arguing about which of them was the most important.  But JESUS knew their thoughts, so HE took a little child and stood him by HIS side.  Then HE said to them, 'Whoever welcomes this little child in MY name, welcomes ME; and whoever welcomes ME, welcomes the one who sent ME.  And listen: the one who is found to be the least among you all, is the one who is the greatest.'

Then John spoke up, 'Master, we saw someone who drives out demons by calling upon YOUR name, and we tried to forbid him, because he doesn't follow YOU with us.  But JESUS said, 'Don't forbid him.  He who is not against you is for you.'" - Luke 9:46-50 

(Mark remarks that JESUS took a child in HIS arms: something unusual for people of that time since children did not count, and religious teachers only urged that they be well disciplined.  The model of religion seemed to be a serious man who did not laugh, did not run, did not look at people in lower positions, especially women and children.  Oftentimes, such a mentality is seen in those who criticize child baptism and first communion.

JESUS does not answer the apostles' question: Who is the greatest?  Because what matters is not to become great, but to be close to CHRIST.  In order to receive CHRIST, we must welcome HIM in the person of the little ones.)

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The Misfortunes Of The Rich

 "So, now, for what concerns the rich, cry and weep, for the misfortunes that are coming upon you.  Your riches are rotting, and your clothes, eaten up by the moths.  Your silver and gold have rusted, and their rust grows into a witness against you.  It will consume your flesh, like fire, for having piled up riches, in these, the last days.

You deceived the workers who harvested your fields, but, now, their wages cry out to the heavens.  The reapers' complaints have reached the ears of the LORD of hosts.  You lived in luxury and pleasure in this world, thus, fattening yourselves for the day of slaughter.  You have easily condemned, and killed the innocent since they offered no resistance." - James 5:1-6 

(The rich will lose all they have stockpiled through injustice.  Just as serious as having stolen from the salaries of workers and having condemned those who spoke of justice is the sin against hope.  "The last days already came and you were looking for riches!"  The last days are those that began with the coming of CHRIST, with the kingdom already there.  James sees the second coming of the LORD as if it was imminent and it is the only way to rightly judge riches.

What was taking place in the poor civilization of James' time is happening again today.  The prosperity of a quarter of the world depends on the system that leaves two billion people in misery.

In our countries money destroys hope in the Christian meaning of the word; life is considered as a fortune to be enjoyed by oneself, without accepting responsibilities, beginning with the transmission of life.  Far removed from us, the safeguarding of our privileges involves, like a series of cascades, the unjust death of millions of people because of famine, oppression and wars.)

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Time Is Running Out For JESUS

 "And all who saw it were astonished at GOD's wonderful work.

But while all were amazed at everything JESUS did, HE said to HIS disciples, 'Listen, and remember what I tell you now: The Son of Man will be betrayed into the hands of men.'  But the disciples didn't understand this saying; something prevented them from grasping what HE meant, and they were afraid to ask HIM about it." - Luke 9:43-45 

(Time is running out for JESUS.  HE now dedicates HIMSELF chiefly to preparing the group of apostles who will have the tremendous responsibility of continuing HIS work.  They did not understand about HIS death and resurrection: these things cannot be understood until they have happened.  They prefer not to question or know; leaving JESUS very isolated.)

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Longing For GOD's Dwelling Place

 "Make justice, O GOD, and defend my cause

against an ungodly people;

deliver me from the wicked and deceitful.

YOU are my GOD, my stronghold,

why have YOU cast me out?

Why should I go about mourning,

oppressed by the enemy?

Send forth YOUR light and YOUR truth;

let them be my guide,

let them take me to YOUR holy mountain,

to the place where YOU reside.

Then will I go to the altar of GOD,

to GOD, my gladness and delight.

I will praise YOU with the lyre and harp,

O GOD, my GOD."

- Psalm 43:1. 2. 3. 4

(The author of this psalm recalls with nostalgia, the Temple in Jerusalem and the splendid ceremonies of past times.  He is now living in a foreign land, where his words, his culture, his faith, mean nothing to anyone.  'Where is your GOD?' they say, and he asks himself: 'Who am I?'  A fervent call to GOD and cries of hope are features of this psalm, like a refrain repeated three times.  Who among us would not be able to personalize this psalm?  Human progress, be it ever so great and salutary, brings new problems and stirs up in us new desires.  We are at times mindful that we have been created for something greater.  Nothing of that fully gratifies us, and death is always at the end.  How can we revive those moments when we knew true joy?

This psalm is very appropriate to experience the felt absence of GOD and ardently desire HIS presence.)

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Praise To The GOD Of Victories

 "Alleluia!

Sing to YAHWEH a new song,

sing HIS praise in the assembly of HIS saints.

Let Israel rejoice in his Maker;

let the people of Zion glory in their King!

Let them dance in praise of HIS name;

and make music for HIM with harp and timbrel.

For YAHWEH delights in HIS people;

HE crowns the lowly with victory.

The saints will exult in triumph;

even at night, on their couches,

let the praise of GOD be on their lips;

and in their hands, two-edged swords;

to execute on them, the written sentence:

this is the glory of all HIS saints.  Alleluia!"

- Psalm 149:1-2. 3-4. 5-6. 9

(We join in the song of victory, the triumph of GOD, the crushing of the serpent's head; for we have our part in the victorious struggle, wearing the armor of GOD, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit.  Our battle must be 'against the spirits and supernatural forces of evil' [Ephesians 6:12].  Evil and sin in our world are an affront to our Creator; the pain of the humble is the pain of the LORD.  We pray with this psalm, in union with all those who are hungry and thirsty for justice.  They are blessed.)

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JESUS Sends The Twelve On A Mission

 "Then JESUS called HIS Twelve disciples and gave them power and authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal diseases.  And HE sent them to proclaim the kingdom of GOD and to heal the sick.  HE instructed them, 'Don't take anything for the journey, neither staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money; and don't even take a spare tunic.  Whatever house you enter, remain there until you leave that place.  And wherever they don't welcome you, leave the town and shake the dust from your feet: it will be as a testimony against them.'

So they set out, and went through the villages, proclaiming the good news and healing people everywhere." - Luke 9:1-6 

(JESUS has began HIS mission, HE forms and sends out missionaries.

Apostles mean "sent" and "mission" also means "being sent."  The FATHER has sent HIS Son to earth, and the Son, in turn, sends HIS apostles.  The FATHER sends messengers of HIS word, but HE also sends HIS Spirit to touch the hearts and minds of those who listen.  Through the Spirit they recognize the word of GOD in the poor preaching of these messengers who have received no great instruction.  The Spirit will give signs: healings and astounding graces supporting the witness of the missionaries.)

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JESUS Calls Matthew

 "As JESUS moved on from there, HE saw a man named Matthew, at his seat in the custom-house; and HE said to him, 'Follow ME!'  And Matthew got up and followed HIM.  Now it happened, while JESUS was at table in Matthew's house, many tax collectors and sinners joined JESUS and HIS disciples.  When the Pharisees saw this, they said to HIS disciples, 'Why is it, that your master eats with sinners and tax collectors?'

When JESUS heard this, HE said, 'Healthy people do not need a doctor, but sick people do.  Go, and  find out what this means: What I want is mercy, not sacrifice.  I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners.'" - Matthew 9:9-13 

(To enter the family of GOD, we must change some of our values.  This conversion is not as conspicuous as participation in devotional practices but is much more valuable.  First, we must liberate ourselves from prejudices by which we classify people.  Let us stop dividing people into good or bad; those we can greet and those we cannot; those we can love and help and those we cannot.  Let us learn that GOD does not hate the rich or the uneducated, those on the left or those on the right, for GOD's merciful plan sees to the salvation of all.)

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'YAHWEH Has Done Great Things For Us!'

 "When YAHWEH brought the exiles back to Zion,

we were like those moving in a dream.

Then, our mouths were filled with laughter,

and our tongues with songs of joy.

Among the nations it was said,

'YAHWEH has done great things for them.'

YAHWEH had done great things for us,

and we were glad indeed.

Bring back our exiles, O YAHWEH,

like fresh streams in the desert.

Those who sow in tears

will reap with songs and shouts of joy.

They went forth weeping,

bearing the seeds for sowing,

they will come home with joyful shouts,

bringing their harvested sheaves."

- Psalm 126:1-2. 2-3. 4-5. 6

(Israel's drought will turn to fertility.  Her own labor of sowing will achieve its harvest.  'The field is the world' [Matthew 13:38] and the field whitens for a harvest of souls gathered to eternal life [John 4:35ff; Matthew 13:30].  But the sowing is in tears: 'Unless the seed falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone' [John 12:24ff].  The seed is the Word--the Word made flesh and crucified.  The tears are HIS, the joys ours: 'YAHWEH has done great things for us!'  And yet we, too, have our crucifixion.  If we want to turn suffering into hope, tears into songs, we can pray with this psalm.) 

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Wicked Ambitions

 "Wherever there is jealousy and ambition, you will also find discord, and all that is evil.  Instead, the wisdom that comes from above is pure and peace-loving.  Persons with this wisdom show understanding, and listen to advice; they are full of compassion and good works; they are impartial and sincere.  Peacemakers, who sow peace, reap a harvest of justice.

What causes these fights and quarrels among you?  Is it not your cravings, that  make war within your own selves?  When you long for something you cannot have, you kill for it, and when you do not get what you desire, you squabble and fight.  The fact is, you do not have what you want, because you do not pray for it.  You pray for something, and you do not get it, because you pray with the wrong motive, of indulging your pleasures." -  James 3:16-4:3 

(You pray with the wrong motive.  James tells us that prayer obtains for us things that enable us to respond to GOD's plan [see 1:5-8].  Our prayers will not be heard if love for the world takes the place of GOD in our hearts.)

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The Authentic Profession Of Faith

 "Now, in the presence of GOD, who gives life to all things, and of JESUS CHRIST, who expressed before Pontius Pilate the authentic profession of faith: preserve the revealed message to all.  Keep yourself pure and blameless, until the glorious coming of CHRIST JESUS, our LORD, who GOD will bring about at the proper time; HE, the magnificent sovereign, King of kings and LORD of lords.  To HIM, alone, immortal, who lives in unapproachable light, and whom no one has ever seen or can see, to HIM, be honor and power, for ever and ever.  Amen!" - 1 Timothy 6:13-16 

(It is not in seeking first of all our personal fulfillment that we become GOD's agent and a witness of CHRIST, as HE HIMSELF has been the witness of the FATHER.

Paul calls upon Timothy to avoid all those dangers and remain true to faith and free from greed.  By doing so, he will be "a man of GOD," a witness of CHRIST.)

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The Women Who Followed JESUS

 "JESUS walked through towns and countryside, preaching and giving the good news of the kingdom of GOD.  The Twelve followed HIM, and also some women, who had been healed of evil spirits and diseases: Mary called Magdalene, who had been freed of seven demons; Joanna, wife of Chuza, Herod's steward; Suzanna; and others, who provided for them out of their own funds." - Luke 8:1-3 

(No spiritual master would have spoken to a woman in public: women were not even admitted to the synagogues.  Nevertheless, JESUS did not pay the least attention to such universally accepted prejudices.  Various women took JESUS' words and attitude as a call to freedom.  They even joined the circle of HIS intimate friends while ignoring the gossip.  Here we have a fundamental testimony about the freedom of the Gospel.

JESUS was truly human, and as such HE belonged to a race and a culture: HE was a Jew of HIS time and HIS gospel was attuned to the culture that HE shared.  Yet JESUS did not adopt the inhuman traits of HIS culture; nor did HE accept the prejudices of the Jews of HIS time with regard to women, to public sinners, to pagans and so on, nor did HE share their views in regard to the Sabbath.  HIS gospel is a leaven that changes cultures for the better; in many respects HIS way of life goes against the mainstream of cultures.

Mary of Magdala [Magdala was a village on the shore of Lake Tiberias] will be at the foot of the cross along with Mary, the wife of Cleophas, the mother of James and Joset.  These two women, along with Joanna, will receive the first news of the Resurrection [Luke 24:10].)

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Advice To Timothy

 "Let no one reproach you on account of your youth.  Be a model to the believers, in the way you speak and act, in your love, your faith and purity of life.  Devote yourself to reading, preaching and teaching, until I come.

Do not neglect the spiritual gift conferred on you with prophetic words, when the elders laid their hands upon you.  Think about it, and practice it, so that your progress may be seen by all.  Take heed of yourself, and attend to your teaching.  Be steadfast in doing this, and you will save both yourself and your hearers." - 1 Timothy 4:12-16 

(Let no one reproach you on account of your youth.  Usually, in the Christian communities and in the Jewish ones, the leaders were older men.  This is why they were called "elders" or "presbyters" [which means the same thing].  Timothy, who is visiting the church on behalf of Paul, has authority over these elders, even though he is much younger than they are.  The example of his sincere faith and profound knowledge of the Scriptures will be his strength.

Devote yourself in reading, preaching and teaching until I come.  This counsel is always valid.  To be steadfast in reading and study is what costs most in the majority of liberal professions.  Very few people are courageous enough to persevere in study once they have passed their examinations.  This is so, even in the Church.  The "pastors," clergy and lay, are constantly tempted in thinking such and such an activity is pastorally useful, that leisure is "relaxing" even at the cost of postponing study and meditation on the word.  The Church is always lacking people able to express their faith creatively--a gift that springs from spiritual knowledge and habitual contact with the word of GOD: smiles, goodwill and psychology cannot replace this charism.

Do not neglect the spiritual gift.  If someone was named to a ministry or an official position in the church, this was considered as a spiritual gift: for example, presbyters, deacons, bishops, prophets.  While other gifts, such as healing the sick, came directly from the Holy Spirit, ministries were received through a laying on of hands.  An apostle or a prophet would lay his hands on the candidate to transfer to him the authority that he had received in a similar way.  Thus, in the Church, every leader receives his authority from CHRIST through a succession of people going back to the apostles.

On this occasion the prophets present would also address the candidate with exhortations and warnings [see 1:18].)

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The Church Is The Pillar And Foundation Of The Truth

 "I give you these instructions, although I hope I will see you soon.  If I delay, you will know how you ought to conduct yourself in the household of GOD, that is, the Church of the living GOD, which is the pillar and foundation of the truth.  How great, indeed, is the mystery of divine blessing!

HE was shown in the flesh

and sanctified by the spirit;

presented to the angels

and proclaimed to all nations.

The world believed in HIM:

HE was taken up in glory!"

- 1 Timothy 3:14-16

(This short paragraph reminds us that, if indeed we are in charge of the Church of GOD, we are neither its founders nor its masters.  The Church was born through a merciful intervention of GOD, when HE decided that HIS Son should identify with the human race, as is expressed in this short poem.

Here we use divine blessing for a word that we translated elsewhere as "piety" or "religion" [see 2:2; 4:7; 6:3; 5, 6; 2 Timothy 3:5 and Titus 1:1].  In those years, the word was mostly used to mean a loving attitude toward the FATHER and neighbors, characteristic of true believers who simply imitate GOD's example.

The Church is the pillar and foundation of the truth.  We must understand this phrase as referring to the concepts of that time: from above, from a world in which everything is truth, GOD lowers HIS Truth to the earth, as a column or a visible sign on which we can lean.  In spite of all the infidelities of the Church, GOD uses it to preserve true knowledge of the FATHER, the Son and the Spirit in the world.  Without this knowledge, people cannot be free, nor can humanity reach its maturity.)

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JESUS Did Not Regard Equality With GOD

 "Though HE was in the form of GOD,

HE did not regard equality with GOD as something to be grasped,

but emptied HIMSELF,

taking on the nature of a servant, made in human likeness,

and, in HIS appearance, found, as a man,

HE humbled HIMSELF by being obedient, to death,

death on the cross.

That is why GOD exalted HIM

and gave HIM the name which outshines all names,

so, that, at the name of JESUS all knees should bend

in heaven, on earth and among the dead,

and all tongues proclaim, that CHRIST JESUS is the LORD,

to the glory of GOD the FATHER."

- Philippians 2:6-11

 

(HE did not regard equality with GOD: the mystery of GOD's Son who became a mortal man and gave up GOD's glory, although HE could have preserved it even in HIS human life.  Since CHRIST was to be the New Man, glorified by GOD and placed above everything, HIS being subject to misery and limitations was a way of being reduced to nothingness.

GOD exalted HIM.  The humiliation and obedience of CHRIST were the condition for receiving HIS glory.  HE gave HIM the name [of GOD], that is, HE made HIM fully enjoy in HIS human nature the divine Power [or name].)

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Prayer In Time Of Danger

 "Hear my cry for mercy as I call to YOU for help, as I lift up my hands toward YOUR innermost Sanctuary.

YAHWEH is my strength, my shield; my heart was sure of HIM; I have been helped and my heart exults; with my song I give HIM thanks.

YAHWEH is the strength of HIS people, the saving refuge of HIS anointed.

Save YOUR people, and bless YOUR inheritance, be their shepherd and carry them forever."

- Psalm 28:2. 7. 8-9

(Those who complain about the silence of GOD and nonetheless continue to believe, can pray with this psalm.  JESUS, in Mark 11:24, has told us, 'whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it shall be done for you.')

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Faith Is Shown In Action

 "What good is it, my brothers and sisters, to profess faith, without showing works?  Such faith has no power to save you.  If a brother or sister is in need of clothes or food, and one of you says, 'May things go well for you; be warm and satisfied,' without attending to their material needs, what good is that?  So, it is, for faith without deeds: it is totally dead.

Say to whoever challenges you, 'You have faith and I have good deeds; show me your faith apart from actions and I, for my part, will show you my faith in the way I act.'" - James 2:14-18 

(It is necessary to have faith to be saved, but following CHRIST cannot be theoretical; it must be shown in action, in deeds.  CHRIST HIMSELF says the same thing in Matthew 7:21: "Not everyone who says, 'LORD, LORD,' will enter the kingdom of heaven.")

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CHRIST JESUS Came Into The World To Save Sinners

 "This saying is true and worthy of belief: CHRIST JESUS came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the first.  Because of that, I was forgiven; CHRIST JESUS wanted to display HIS utmost patience, so that I might be an example for all who are to believe, and obtain eternal life.  To the King of ages, the only GOD, who lives beyond every perishable and visible creation--to HIM, be honor and glory forever.  Amen!" - 1 Timothy 1:15-17 

(CHRIST JESUS came into the world to save sinners.  The new masters remain with their theories instead of facing the reality of sin.  It is the reality of our sin that makes the grace of GOD a grace, and our salvation a true salvation.)

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False Teachers

 "From Paul, apostle of CHRIST JESUS, by a command of GOD, our Savior, and of CHRIST JESUS, our hope, to Timothy, my true son in the faith.

May GOD the FATHER, and CHRIST JESUS, our LORD, give you grace, mercy and peace.

When I left for Macedonia, I urged you to remain in Ephesus, to warn certain persons not to teach false doctrine, or to concern themselves with fables and endless genealogies.  These give rise to discussions, rather than promoting a better service of GOD, through faith.  The aim of our warning is love, which comes from a pure mind, a good conscience and sincere faith.

Some have turned away from such motivation and have strayed into useless discussions.  They claim to be teachers of the law when, in fact, they understand neither what they say nor the things they speak about.

We know that the law is good, as long as it serves its purpose.  The law is not for the righteous, but for the lawless, and for the wicked and sinful, for those who do not respect GOD, and religion, for those who kill their parents, for murderers, for those who indulge in unlawful sex and homosexuality, for kidnappers and exploiters, for liars and perjurers, and for all that is contrary to sound doctrine, to the gospel of the GOD of glory and happiness, which was entrusted to me." - 1 Timothy 1:1-11 

(We will note only what refers to false prophets.  Since the apostles who had seen CHRIST were dead, some people forgot that all of faith is based on what CHRIST taught.  Instead of reading and actually living the Gospel, certain people began to discuss and work out religious theories.

The aim of warning is love which comes from a pure mind.   Timothy must  be firm in eliminating these discussions that weaken the Church and prevent development of the love that saves people.  Even bloody wars came out of sterile religious arguments.)

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The New Self Lives With A Thankful Heart

 "Clothe yourselves, then, as is fitting for GOD's chosen people, holy and beloved of HIM.  Put on compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience to bear with one another, and forgive, whenever there is any occasion to do so.  As the LORD has forgiven you, forgive one another.  Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.  May the peace of CHRIST overflow in your hearts; for this end you were called, to be one body.  And be thankful.

Let the word of GOD dwell in you, in all its richness.  Teach and admonish one another with words of wisdom.  With thankful hearts, sing to GOD psalms, hymns and spontaneous praise.  And whatever you do or say, do it in the Name of JESUS, the LORD, giving thanks to GOD, the FATHER, through HIM. - Colossians 3:12-17 

(While old self is self-centered, enslaved by passions, the new self is characterized by a communal attitude, a constant concern for others.  He lives with a thankful heart.)

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But You, Bethlehem Ephrata, From You Shall I Raise The One Who Is To Rule Over Israel

 "But you, Bethlehem Ephrata, so small that you are hardly named among the clans of Judah; from you shall I raise the one who is to rule over Israel.  For HE comes forth from of old, from the ancient times.

YAHWEH, therefore, will abandon Israel until such time as she, who is to give birth, has given birth.  Then the rest of HIS deported brothers will return to the people of Israel.

HE will stand, and shepherd HIS flock with the strength of YAHWEH, in the glorious Name of YAHWEH, HIS GOD.  They will live safely, while HE wins renown to the ends of the earth.  HE shall be peace." - Micah 5:1-4 

(But you, Bethlehem Ephrata, from you shall I raise the one who is to rule over Israel.  That is to say, that the Messiah will come from the line of David whose roots are in Bethlehem, in spite of the fact that Micah seems to contrast this peaceful king, born in a rural area, with the useless kings of the capital.  Later, many believed that the Messiah had to be born in Bethlehem: see John 7:42.  Matthew's Gospel shows how this prophecy was fulfilled with the birth of JESUS [Matthew 2:6].)

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If You Have Accepted CHRIST JESUS, As LORD, Let HIM Be Your Doctrine

 "If you have accepted CHRIST JESUS, as LORD, let HIM be your doctrine.  Be rooted and built up in HIM; let faith be your principle, as you were taught, and your thanksgiving, overflowing.

See that no one deceives you with philosophy or any hollow doctrines, not inspired by CHRIST, but by the wisdom of this world.  For in HIM, dwells the fullness of GOD, in bodily form.  HE is the head of all cosmic power and authority, and, in HIM, you have everything." - Colossians 2:6-10 

(Philosophy and the search for wisdom are highly respectable.  Philosophies always contain some truth; their danger is in seeming to give a total response to our problems.  They are deceptive  insofar as they come from philosophers who have in fact had either a limited or questionable experience of human reality.  In faith, on the contrary, rather than a discourse on human concerns, we have a person: CHRIST.  While all the currents of thought are the product of their day and grow old with time, Paul assures us that all the fullness of GOD is in CHRIST in a human form.)

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GOD, The Rock Of Strength

 "Find rest in GOD alone, O my soul;

from HIM, comes my hope.

HE alone, is my rock and my salvation;'

with HIM as my stronghold,

I shall not be overcome.

Trust in HIM at all times, my people;

pour out your hearts before HIM;'

GOD is our refuge."

- Psalm 62:6-7. 9

(Only GOD can  be the rock, stronghold and fortress where human existence can be supported.  Human beings have an alternative: leaning on their own power, or on divine power, trusting in riches, or in GOD.  It is impossible to serve both GOD and money [cf. Matthew 6:19, 24].  Either trust in GOD or in riches: see 1 Timothy 6:17; James 4:13-14; 5:1-6.  If we want to be messengers of trust, we must speak not only of ideas; we must first experience GOD as fortress and refuge.)

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Whoever Makes A Distinction Between Persons Is Not Christian

 "My brothers and sisters, if you truly believe in our glorified LORD, JESUS CHRIST, you will not discriminate between persons.  Suppose a person enters the synagogue where you are assembled, dressed magnificently and wearing a gold ring; at the same time, a poor person enters dressed in rags.  If you focus your attention on the well-dressed and say, 'Come and sit in the best seat,' while, to the poor one you say, 'Stay standing, or else sit down at my feet,' have you not, in fact, made a distinction between the two?  Have you not judged, using a double standard? 

Listen, my beloved brothers and sisters, did GOD not choose the poor of this world to receive the riches of faith, and to inherit the kingdom, which HE has promised to those who love HIM?" - James 2:1-5 

(Whoever makes a distinction between persons is not Christian.  Distinction of class, of color: there is never a reason for showing favoritism and not respecting the rights of each person, for making her wait or treating her less well.  There is at stake and instinct for justice that is linked with faith.

James speaks of distinctions within the Church and alas!  Often it is there that they tenaciously cling.  If in many countries the Church is much frequented by those who are socially well off, better educated, it is surely because of its choices: our practices have cast aside others until they are no longer seen.

Did GOD not choose the poor of this world to receive the riches of faith?  The apostles who are our undisputed masters in faith were poor with regard to money and influence, but they were sufficiently rich in faith to sign it with their blood.

James says that the rich profane the name of CHRIST.  He speaks perhaps of the rich unbelievers who ridicule the simple faithful, or perhaps of the wealthy Christians whose way of life draws criticism of the name of CHRIST.  They profane the name of CHRIST and bring contempt on the Church.

James invites the Church to examine itself on the way we treat each other in our institutions: with whom are the pastors of the Church usually found, who are those with whom they feel at ease and in whom they confide.  What terrible truth would be revealed by an investigation of these points!)

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The Body Of CHRIST

 "You, yourselves, were once estranged, and opposed to GOD, because of your evil deeds, but now, GOD has reconciled you, in the human body of HIS Son, through HIS death, so that you may be without fault, holy and blameless before HIM.  Only stand firm upon the foundation of your faith, and be steadfast in hope.  Keep in mind the gospel you have heard, which has been preached to every creature under heaven, and of which I, Paul, became a minister." - Colossians 1:21-23 

(Paul now requires the Colossians to keep their feet on the ground.  Do not waste your time imagining struggles between celestial beings and evil ones.  The struggle is here below and costs blood and life.  This is why Paul reminds his readers what he himself is suffering because of the Gospel.

The body of CHRIST is the place where the peace of all humanity with GOD, and peace between individuals and nations can be achieved [Ephesians 2:11].)

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CHRIST Is The Beginning Of Everything

 "HE is the image of the unseen GOD, and for all creation, HE is the firstborn, for, in HIM, all things were created, 

in heaven and on earth,

visible and invisible:

thrones, rulers, authorities, powers...

All was made through HIM and for HIM.

HE is before all

and all things hold together, in HIM.

And HE is the head of the body, that is the Church,

for HE is the first, the first raised from the dead,

that HE may be the first in everything,

for GOD was pleased to let fullness dwell in HIM.

Through HIM, GOD willed to reconcile all things to HIMSELF,

and through HIM, through HIS blood shed on the cross,

GOD establishes peace,

on earth as in heaven." - Colossians 1:15-20 

(Paul shows that the angels or invisible powers whether from Scripture or the storytellers of "gnosis" with their Thrones, Authorities, Principles... are nothing compared with CHRIST.  HE is neither agent nor intermediary of a creative adventure without a true creator.  HE is not one of the saviors of a history rather impersonal: there is only GOD-Creator and in HIM is CHRIST.  See the same idea in Hebrews 1.

In Galatians 4:1-5 Paul recognizes that the history of humanity has been deeply marked by natural and social forces that he does not name.  He also affirms that since the resurrection of JESUS, it is HE who has in hand all the movement of history [Revelations 5:3-5].  Something that may astonish those among us who think all history is the responsibility of humankind.  In one sense, they are right but on condition that they do not forget the Firstborn, the one who has already come to the end of history and of whom we say HE is LORD [Philippians 2:11] of history.

HE is the image of the unseen GOD.  We should not imagine that GOD has a human form beyond the clouds, and that JESUS is HIS image; human creature is the image of GOD, but GOD is not in the image of human creature.

In all that HE is and in all that HE does, CHRIST among us is the perfect image of the FATHER and of HIS mercy:  HIS actions reveal GOD's way of thinking and acting.  Already before HE became man, the Son of GOD existed in GOD, as the eternal and invisible image of GOD eternal and invisible, the radiance of the glory of the FATHER [Hebrews 1:3], the Expression or Word of GOD [John 1:1].

For all creation HE is the firstborn.  We take this word in its biblical sense.  HE is not the first of many creatures, but the one who has a place apart.  In HIS human nature, CHRIST is a Galilean Jew, a descendant of David.  HIS person, however, is rooted in GOD and is presented to us as the model and the firstborn not of people but of all creation.

All was made through HIM: John 1:1 and Hebrews 1:2.

And was the first raised...  Paul says more precisely "and as the first fruits offered to GOD, was raised" [as in Corinthians 15:23].  HE has not come only for the forgiveness of sins, but for a "passover," a passage from death to life, and HIS Resurrection after HIS total surrendering to HIS FATHER was a first necessary step so that we too would have a resurrection.

GOD was pleased to let fullness dwell in HIM who is the only bridge between GOD and the universe.  The fullness of GOD is in HIM to be communicated to the universe, and the fullness of the universe will be found in HIM when all human beings are reconciled and reunited in HIM.

GOD willed to reconcile.  Once again the work of CHRIST is presented as reconciliation: reconciliation between people [2 Corinthians 5:17-21] and reconciliation of the whole of creation)

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HE Transferred Us To The Kingdom Of HIS Beloved SON

 "Because of this, from the day we received news of you, we have not ceased praying to GOD for you, that you may attain the full knowledge of HIS will, through all the gifts of wisdom and spiritual understanding.

May your lifestyle be worthy of the LORD and completely pleasing to HIM.  May you bear fruit in every good work and grow in the knowledge of GOD.

May you become strong, in everything, by a sharing of the glory of GOD, so that you may have great endurance and persevere in joy.

Constantly give thanks to the FATHER, who has empowered us to receive our share in the inheritance of the saints, in HIS kingdom of light.  HE rescued us from the power of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of HIS beloved Son.  In HIM, we are redeemed and forgiven." - Colossians 1:9-14 

(Faith opens for us the way to true knowledge: precisely what the Colossians are looking for; through this faith GOD has already placed us in the kingdom of light.

HE transferred us to the kingdom of HIS beloved Son.  While the Colossians are interested in an invisible world of supernatural forces, where luminous powers battle with those in darkness [see Ephesians 1:21], Paul immediately clarified the situation: there is nothing other than the Power of Darkness and the Kingdom of the Son.)

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